Teeth whitening, also called bleaching, is the process of lightening the color of natural tooth enamel. It can be accomplished in a dental office or at home using a variety of commercially available products. Many patients with mild staining find that a whiter smile increases their self-confidence and decreases the stigma associated with having discolored teeth. However, it is important to note that whitening is not permanent. The results can last from a few months to up to three years, depending on your lifestyle and diet.

Staining is caused by both intrinsic (inside) and extrinsic (outside) factors, such as foods and drinks, smoking, aging, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. The procedure works by breaking down the chromogens, or colored molecules, that are trapped in the pores of the tooth enamel and cause its color. The most common stains are coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco stains.

There are several ways to whiten your teeth: bleaching strips, whitening tannbleking gels, and whitening rinses. All of these products contain a type of peroxide, which is the chemical that breaks down and bleaches the chromogens in the tooth enamel to lighten its color. Different product types are marketed for different types of staining, and the results vary by individual needs.

It is essential to get a professional cleaning and mouth exam before starting any whitening treatment, as the procedure will not be effective if tooth decay or gum disease are present. This is especially important for patients who are considering a whitening regimen at home, as it will be difficult to achieve the desired result without a clean and healthy mouth.

During a professional in-office whitening, the dentist will first put a rubber shield or gel around the gums to protect the soft tissue. Then, a whitening product will be applied to the teeth; this may be done by painting it directly onto the teeth or by using a custom-made tray that fits into the mouth like a gum shield. Some whitening treatments use a light or laser to activate the bleaching agent, which can speed up the color change.

After the whitening treatment, your teeth will likely be sensitive to hot or cold and to sweet or acidic foods for a few days as the chromogens are reabsorbed into the dentin layer of the tooth. This is a normal side effect of the treatment and should subside once the whitening agents have been removed from the surface of your teeth.

The whitening effect can be maintained by following good oral hygiene practices, which include daily brushing with a whitening toothpaste and flossing to remove food debris. It is also important to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, such as red wine, coffee, and dark chocolate. Using a whitening rinse once or twice a day can also help to keep your teeth looking bright and white.